Department of Modern Languages Chinese
Welcome to the Chinese program at Langara College.
Our courses are designed to accommodate students from diverse backgrounds and with varying goals. Our primary mission is to provide students with a solid foundation in the Chinese language while introducing them to China's rich and profound culture.
For non-Chinese speakers: (individuals who have completed most or all of their education in a non-Chinese-speaking country)
- We offer four foundational courses: CHIN 1115, 1215, 1117, and 1217. These courses are designed to provide a strong foundation in the Chinese language, emphasizing essential vocabulary, sentence structures, grammar, and, most importantly, practical communication skills in Mandarin.
For learners seeking to enhance speaking skills
- We offer conversational courses, CHIN 2221/CHIN 2223, for students who have reached a certain level of proficiency and want to further improve their oral communication skills.
For native Mandarin speakers (individuals who grew up and completed three or more years of schooling in Mainland China, Taiwan, or Singapore)
- We provide Chinese literature courses tailored to their needs. Students who have finished elementary school in China or Taiwan and are comfortable reading and writing Chinese at an intermediate level can enrol in Classical Chinese (CHIN 3331/3333) and Modern Chinese Literature (CHIN 3381/3383).
Students are advised to carefully review the prerequisites before registering. Please contact chinese [at] langara.ca (chinese[at]langara[dot]ca) if you have any questions about which course is appropriate for you. Students with any Chinese language background must consult an instructor before enrolling.
For students enrolling in CHIN 1115, 1215, 1117, 1217, 2221, or 2223, a course placement interview form must be completed before the first day of classes.
Reasons to study Chinese at Langara College
- Quality teaching: Chinese instructors have decades of teaching experience at The University of British Columbia and Langara College.
- Community building: Strong student-teacher interaction fosters a supportive learning environment.
- Facilities: Access to modern language labs and dedicated language-learning resources.
- Student-initiated Chinese language club: Opportunities for peer engagement and language practice.
- Strong student support: Comprehensive counselling services (mental health and academic), accessibility services, and a drop-in medical clinic.
- Affordable tuition fees: Lower costs for higher quality education.
Student testimonial
The best way to describe taking Chinese classes at Langara is that it has been a very interesting and emotional journey. Truly, out of all the classes I have taken, Chinese class has been on a whole different level.
Outcomes & Objectives
Taking Chinese courses will give you opportunities to practice speaking, reading, and writing the language. Depending on the course level, outcomes may include the following:
- Increasing vocabulary
- Strengthening structure and grammar knowledge
- Reading a variety of material
- Formulating sentences
- Carrying conversations in everyday situations
- Translating content
Related Programs
Credits from Chinese courses can be used to fulfill requirements of many of our programs.
Related programs of interest include:
Placement tests
Before you register in a course, please read its prerequisites carefully. Students with any Chinese language background must contact an instructor at chinese [at] langara.ca (chinese[at]langara[dot]ca) before registering.
Non-native Chinese speakers seeking a proficiency certificate can take the HSK, a standardized test regularly held by China's National HSK Committee at test centres in China and all over the world.
Transferability
All Chinese courses are university-transferable. Please check the British Columbia Council on Admissions and Transfer website for specific transfer details at .
Featured courses
1000-level
Beginner to intermediate Chinese – CHIN 1115/1215/1117/1217
Our 1000-level courses use an interactive approach to engage students from beginner to intermediate levels.
Key focus: Building a solid foundation in Chinese
What you'll learn:
- A strong grasp of fundamental language structures and culture
- Everyday communication skills
- Confidence in real-world interactions
Outcome: Upon completing four courses, students will be able to communicate confidently in authentic situations in everyday life and the workplace.
2000-level
Conversational Chinese – CHIN 2221/2223
At the 2000-level, our focus shifts to enhancing your oral communication skills.
Key focus: Real-life conversations with cultural awareness, the ability to clearly articulate your position on controversial topics or events.
What you'll learn:
- Standard Mandarin pronunciation
- Effective communication for everyday and professional contexts, using culturally appropriate manners
- Debating techniques, critical thinking, and coherent, logical articulation
Outcome: You will be able to engage confidently in both everyday and more complex conversations, using appropriate cultural cues and fluent language skills.
3000-level
Classical Chinese – CHIN 3331/3333
Our 3000-level courses in Classical Chinese are perfect for students with a strong interest in Chinese culture and philosophy.
Key focus: Ancient works with their historical and cultural contexts.
What you'll learn:
- Linguistic and cultural study of Classical Chinese texts, rich in historical and cultural insight
- A broad and deep understanding of Chinese literature and philosophy
- Application of traditional values to contemporary life
Outcome: A sophisticated appreciation for Classical Chinese literature and philosophy, a deeper understanding of Chinese cultural heritage, and a renewed perspective on contemporary life.
Mixed-mode
CHIN 3331/3333 mixed-mode is a blended learning format which combines regular in-class teaching with guided online learning.
You will meet in class twice a week to ensure that you are following the expected study schedule.
In-class:
- The instructor will go through the important parts in each chapter
- Questions arising from students’ guided self-study will be addressed
- Students will be engaged in examining the learning materials in a cultural/historical context
The levels of students taking Classical Chinese can vary to a great extent. To give students with different levels better control over studying time, place, and pace, technology-based learning is employed as a key component of this course. For each chapter, online exercises and materials, are designed to enable you to study and practice on your own.
The online features on D2L include:
- A detailed checklist before each lecture so you will know what to prepare before coming to each class and what you need to complete after the session
- Important supplementary materials for each chapter
- Questions to be discussed in class
- Exercises on the pronunciation and meanings of the key words/phrases
- Key to the online exercises
- Links to cultural/historical background regarding the author and the text
A balanced approach will be adopted between the in-classroom and the various online instruction methods. This course will help you achieve the best possible study outcomes, while offering a flexible and independent way to learn.
Opportunities
Career opportunities
Skilled speakers of Chinese will find employment in various fields such as business, government, international relations, tourism, education, computer technology, translation, and much more.
Chinese has been spoken and written longer than any other language still in use in the world. Chinese calligraphy and brush painting are widely practiced in China today and inspire numerous artists both inside and outside the country. Similarly, Chinese medicine, qigong, and martial arts have attracted a huge following in most parts of the world. The Chinese language is an essential tool for understanding China’s ancient civilization.
Learning Chinese is particularly useful for those living in Vancouver, which has one of the highest concentrations of people of Chinese origin in North America. In our city, Chinese traditions continue to affect the lives of many.
